(HealthNewsDigest.com) - CHICAGO-Over the past year consumers have been shifting their priorities when it comes to what they want to eat, when they eat, and where they eat. In the January issue of Food Technology magazine published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Contributing Editor A. Elizabeth Sloan writes about consumers' mealtime choices and behaviors in 2013.

Forty-five percent of Millennials and 24 percent of Boomers have adopted a special diet (e.g., gluten-free or vegan). One-third of all Millennials' eating involve global cuisine; 56 percent of Millennials want something healthy for their next snack (Hartman, 2013).

Snacking now accounts for just over half of all eating occasions. One in five people eat one snack per day; 41 percent have two, 24 percent have three, 13 have four, and 4 percent have five or more (Hartman, 2013).

Consumers are most interested in savory flavors, including spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors; sour and bitter flavors are also drawing increased interest from consumers (Technomic 2013).

For the first time, a majority of consumers say they prefer hot or spicy sauces, dips, and condiments and bolder flavors. Chile sauce, cayenne, Sriracha, and habanero and ancho peppers are delivering the "new" heat (Technomic, 2013).

Specialty cheeses account for more than two-thirds of deli cheese sales. Gouda, Brie, bleu, and goat cheese are increasingly strong sellers as are Mediterranean and Hispanic cheeses. More U.S. cheesemakers and retailers are embracing affinage, the art of aging cheeses (IDDBA, 2014).

More than half of adults buy specialty chocolate, oils, and cheese (Tanner, 2013).

The percentage of all meals eaten and prepared in the home in 2013 was exactly the same as in 2102-73 percent, up from 70 percent five years ago (NPD, 2013).

Half of adults bought prepared foods at a convenience store in 2013. Hot dogs, followed by deli sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and other breakfast foods were the popular items (CS News, 2013).

About IFT This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Food Technologists. Since its founding in 1939, IFT has been committed to advancing the science of food, both today and tomorrow. Our non-profit scientific society-more than 18,000 members from more than 100 countries-brings together food scientists, technologists and related professions from academia, government and industry. For more information, please visit ift.org.###

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